Schipgatduinen Koksijde

The Schipgatduinen form one of the most beautiful dune areas on the Flemish coast, located between Koksijde and Oostduinkerke. The reserve of around fifty hectares is characterised by its alternation of dune slacks, scrub and drift dunes that flow directly into the beach. The area is an important habitat for the European tree frog and many dune plants such as sea buckthorn and sea bindweed. The Schipgatduinen form an ecological link between the nature reserves of De Panne and Oostduinkerke and are popular with nature lovers and walkers.

Accessibility is partial. From the entrance on Wenduinelaan in Koksijde, several paths are reasonably passable for wheelchair users, especially the paved start that connects to the coastal promenade. The deeper walking paths through the dunes consist largely of loose sand and are not navigable without help or an adapted dune wheelchair. The municipality of Koksijde provides temporary dune wheelchairs on request for beach and dune visits; enquire about this via the tourist office.

A car park with disabled parking spaces is located on Wenduinelaan and at Hoge Blekkerplein. The area is reachable by Coast Tram (stop Koksijde Bad or Sint-Idesbald) and bus. The coastal promenade from Koksijde Bad offers a flat and fully paved alternative route with fine views of the dunes. Plan your visit on a dry day if possible.